> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.storehouses.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Share Links & Heir Access FAQ

> Frequently asked questions about Share Links and Heir Access features

<Badge icon="star" color="orange" size="md" shape="pill">Pro</Badge>

## Overview

This page answers common questions about Share Links and Heir Access - two distinct features for sharing and emergency access to your portfolio.

## General Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What's the difference between Share Links and Heir Access?" icon="scale-balanced">
    **Share Links**:

    * Purpose: Voluntary portfolio sharing with anyone
    * Recipient account: NOT required
    * Pro requirement: Account holder only
    * Setup: Create link and share it
    * Access: Immediate
    * Duration: Customizable (temporary or permanent)
    * Best for: Financial advisors, appraisers, accountants, professionals

    **Heir Access**:

    * Purpose: Emergency access for designated beneficiaries
    * Recipient account: REQUIRED (with Pro subscription)
    * Pro requirement: BOTH users must have Pro/Lifetime
    * Setup: Designate heir in advance
    * Access: Waiting period (14-90 days) OR immediate with pre-approval
    * Duration: 180 days after approval
    * Best for: Estate planning, emergency preparedness, beneficiaries
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use both Share Links and Heir Access?" icon="check-double">
    Yes! These are completely separate systems designed for different purposes:

    * Use **Share Links** for sharing with professionals who need temporary or ongoing access
    * Use **Heir Access** for trusted family members or beneficiaries who need emergency access
    * The same person can be both a share link recipient AND a designated heir
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need Pro for both features?" icon="crown">
    **Share Links**: Only the account holder needs Pro

    * Recipients don't need Storehouses accounts
    * No subscription required for recipients

    **Heir Access**: BOTH users need Pro/Lifetime

    * Account holder must have Pro/Lifetime
    * Designated heir must also have Pro/Lifetime
    * If either user downgrades, access is immediately revoked
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Share Links FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I name my share links?" icon="tag">
    Yes! Each share link requires a name when you create it. This helps you:

    * Identify different links at a glance
    * Remember who you shared each link with
    * Search for specific links quickly
    * See colored avatars with initials from the name

    Example names: "Financial Advisor Access", "Insurance Renewal 2026", "Estate Attorney"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I search for a specific share link?" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Use the search box at the top of the Share Links page to filter by:

    * Link name
    * URL

    Results update in real-time as you type. The search is case-insensitive.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What are the QR codes for?" icon="qrcode">
    Each share link automatically generates a QR code that:

    * Makes it easy to share with mobile devices
    * Can be scanned with any smartphone camera
    * Is 120x120 pixels for optimal scanning
    * Is generated locally in your browser for security
    * Never sent to third-party services

    Simply scan the QR code with a phone camera to open the share link immediately.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I edit a share link after creating it?" icon="pencil">
    Yes! Click the dropdown menu (three dots) next to any share link and select "Edit" to modify:

    * Name
    * Edit permissions
    * Expiration date
    * Max views
    * Password (leave blank to keep existing password)

    The URL stays the same - recipients don't need a new link.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I copy a share link?" icon="copy">
    Two ways to copy:

    1. **Click the URL directly**:
       * Click anywhere on the link in the gray code block
       * See "✓ Copied!" confirmation

    2. **Use the dropdown menu**:
       * Click the three dots (⋮)
       * Select "Copy"
       * Link is copied to clipboard
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens when I delete a share link?" icon="trash">
    When you delete a share link:

    * The link immediately becomes invalid
    * Recipients lose access instantly
    * Any open sessions are terminated
    * The action cannot be undone
    * You'll need to create a new link if access is needed again

    You'll see a confirmation modal showing the link name before deletion.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can share link recipients edit my items?" icon="user-pen">
    Only if you grant "Allow Editing" permission:

    **Read-only (default)**:

    * View items and collections
    * Export to PDF
    * Cannot modify anything

    **Editable**:

    * Add new items
    * Edit existing items
    * Delete items
    * Modify collections

    ⚠️ Only grant edit access to people you fully trust.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How secure are the QR codes?" icon="shield-check">
    QR codes for share links are very secure:

    * Generated in your browser using the `qrcode` npm package
    * Never sent to third-party services
    * Stored only in your browser session
    * Regenerated fresh on every page load
    * No tracking or analytics embedded
    * Simply encode the share URL for convenience
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I set a password on a share link?" icon="lock">
    Yes! When creating or editing a share link, you can:

    * Add password protection
    * Passwords are encrypted with bcrypt hashing
    * Recipients must enter the password to view the share
    * Send the password separately from the link
    * Change the password by editing the link
    * Leave password field blank when editing to keep existing password
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the difference between expiration and view limits?" icon="clock">
    **Expiration Date**:

    * Link becomes inactive on a specific date
    * Time-based automatic deactivation
    * Good for temporary consultations

    **View Limits**:

    * Link becomes inactive after X views
    * Count-based automatic deactivation
    * Good for one-time access

    You can use both together for maximum control.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I see who viewed my share links?" icon="eye">
    Share Links show:

    * Current view count
    * Maximum views allowed (if set)
    * Creation date
    * Expiration date (if set)

    However, Share Links do NOT track:

    * Who viewed the link (recipient identity)
    * When specific views occurred
    * IP addresses or device information

    This privacy-first design means recipients aren't tracked.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Heir Access FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why do heirs need their own Pro subscription?" icon="question-circle">
    The dual Pro subscription requirement:

    * **Prevents abuse**: Reduces frivolous or malicious access requests
    * **Validates identity**: Confirms heir has a paid, verified account
    * **Ensures commitment**: Both parties are serious about the feature
    * **Sustains service**: Helps maintain the infrastructure for both users
    * **Security measure**: Additional verification layer for emergency access
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the heir need a Storehouses account?" icon="user-plus">
    Yes! Heirs must have their own Storehouses account:

    * Create account at [storehouses.app](https://storehouses.app)
    * Use the same email address you'll designate them with
    * Upgrade to Pro or Lifetime subscription
    * Only then can you add them as a designated heir

    This requirement ensures proper identity verification and access control.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I grant immediate access without the waiting period?" icon="bolt">
    Yes! There are two paths to grant heir access:

    **Path 1: Heir-Initiated (with waiting period)**

    * Heir requests access
    * Waiting period begins (14-90 days)
    * You receive multiple notifications
    * Auto-approves after waiting period if not denied

    **Path 2: Pre-Approval (immediate)**

    * Click "Grant Access Now" next to any heir
    * Heir receives immediate access for 180 days
    * No waiting period
    * Heir gets instant email notification
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens during the waiting period?" icon="hourglass">
    During a heir-initiated access request:

    **Day 0**:

    * You receive immediate notification
    * One-click denial link included

    **Days 7, 14, 21**:

    * Reminder emails with denial links
    * Shows days remaining

    **24 hours before approval**:

    * Final notice email
    * Last chance to deny

    **After waiting period**:

    * Request auto-approves if not denied
    * Heir receives access for 180 days
    * You get notification of approval
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I have multiple heirs?" icon="users">
    Yes! With Pro/Lifetime you can designate unlimited heirs:

    * Each heir is independent
    * Each has their own permission level (read-only or edit)
    * Each can initiate separate access requests
    * You can pre-approve each one separately

    Common setup:

    * Primary: Spouse (edit access)
    * Secondary: Adult child (read-only)
    * Tertiary: Estate executor (read-only)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I pass away during the waiting period?" icon="heart-crack">
    This is the intended behavior:

    * The request will auto-approve after the waiting period
    * Even if you cannot respond
    * This ensures eventual access for legitimate heirs
    * The waiting period provides security against unauthorized requests
    * Multiple email notifications give you time to deny if you're able
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I extend the 180-day access period?" icon="calendar-plus">
    Access cannot be automatically extended, but heirs can renew:

    **Option 1: Heir requests renewal**

    * Submit new access request (Path 1)
    * Goes through waiting period again

    **Option 2: You grant new access**

    * Use "Grant Access Now" (Path 2)
    * Immediate access for another 180 days

    This ensures both users still have Pro subscriptions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I downgrade from Pro?" icon="arrow-down">
    If you downgrade to Free:

    * All active heir access is **immediately revoked**
    * Pending requests are **canceled**
    * Heirs receive notification emails
    * Heir designations are **preserved** in your account
    * Access resumes if you re-upgrade to Pro

    This is an automatic security measure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if my heir downgrades from Pro?" icon="user-minus">
    If the heir downgrades to Free:

    * Their active access is **immediately revoked**
    * They **cannot submit** new access requests
    * You **cannot grant** them immediate access
    * They must re-upgrade to Pro to regain access
    * You receive notification of the revocation
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the difference between read-only and edit permissions?" icon="user-lock">
    **Read-only** (recommended for most heirs):

    * View all items and collections
    * See all metadata and images
    * Export to PDF and CSV
    * Cannot modify anything

    **Can Edit**:

    * Everything from read-only
    * Add new items
    * Edit existing items
    * Delete items
    * Modify collections
    * Update valuations

    ⚠️ Heirs still cannot access account settings, billing, or password.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I deny an heir access request?" icon="hand">
    Two ways to deny:

    **Option 1: Email link**

    * Open any notification email
    * Click "Deny Access" button
    * Confirm on the website

    **Option 2: Dashboard**

    * Go to [storehouses.app/heir-access](https://storehouses.app/heir-access)
    * Find heir with "Pending" status
    * Click "Deny Request"
    * Confirm denial

    Denial is instant and cannot be undone. Heir must submit new request.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I revoke access after it's granted?" icon="ban">
    Yes! Revoke access anytime:

    1. Go to Heir Access page
    2. Find heir with "Access Granted" badge
    3. Click "Revoke Access"
    4. Confirm revocation

    **What happens**:

    * Access immediately revoked
    * Heir loses portfolio access instantly
    * Heir receives notification email
    * Heir remains in your designated heirs list
    * They can request access again later
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What emails do heirs receive?" icon="envelope">
    Heirs receive emails for:

    1. **Request Confirmation**: When they submit access request (Path 1)
    2. **Access Granted**: When access auto-approves after waiting period
    3. **Pre-Approved Access**: When you grant immediate access (Path 2)
    4. **Access Denied**: When you deny their request
    5. **Access Revoked**: When you revoke their active access

    All emails come from `heirs@storehouses.app`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can heirs access my account settings or billing?" icon="lock-open">
    **No!** Even with "Can Edit" permissions, heirs CANNOT:

    * View or change account settings
    * Access billing information
    * Change your email or password
    * Delete your account
    * Modify heir access settings
    * Create new heirs
    * See your subscription details

    Heirs only access portfolio data (items, collections, locations).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's logged in heir_access_sessions?" icon="list-check">
    The system logs:

    * When heirs access your portfolio
    * Which heir accessed it
    * Timestamps of access sessions

    This provides:

    * Security audit trail
    * Documentation for estate purposes
    * Monitoring of emergency access usage

    Only you can view these logs (heirs cannot).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Both Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can the same person be both a share link recipient AND a designated heir?" icon="user-group">
    Yes! These are completely separate systems:

    **Share Links**:

    * You create a link and share it with anyone
    * They don't need a Storehouses account
    * Access is immediate
    * You control duration and permissions

    **Heir Access**:

    * You designate them as an heir
    * They must have Storehouses account with Pro
    * Access requires request or pre-approval
    * Designed for emergency situations

    Example: You could create a share link for your financial advisor AND designate them as an heir for emergency access.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Which feature should I use for my spouse?" icon="heart">
    It depends on the use case:

    **Use Share Links if**:

    * They just need to view your portfolio occasionally
    * They don't have a Storehouses account
    * You want to give them permanent viewing access
    * They don't need Pro subscription

    **Use Heir Access if**:

    * They need emergency access if something happens to you
    * They have (or can get) Pro subscription
    * You want security measures (waiting periods)
    * They need access for estate settlement

    **Use both!**

    * Share Link for day-to-day viewing
    * Heir Access for emergency preparedness
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to these features when I downgrade from Pro?" icon="level-down">
    **Share Links**:

    * All share links immediately stop working
    * Links become inaccessible
    * Recipients see error message
    * Link data is preserved
    * Links reactivate if you re-upgrade

    **Heir Access**:

    * All active heir access immediately revoked
    * Pending requests canceled
    * Heir designations preserved
    * Access resumes if you re-upgrade
    * Heirs receive notification emails
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use these features on the free plan?" icon="gift">
    No. Both Share Links and Heir Access are Pro features:

    * Upgrade to Pro ($12/month or $99/year)
    * Or get Lifetime access (\$349 one-time)
    * [View pricing →](https://storehouses.app/pricing)

    Free plan users can:

    * Track up to 50 items
    * Use basic portfolio features
    * Upgrade anytime to unlock sharing features
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My share link isn't working" icon="link-slash">
    Check these common issues:

    ✅ **Verify the complete URL was copied**

    * Share links can be long - ensure nothing was cut off

    ✅ **Check expiration date**

    * See if link has expired on the Share Links page

    ✅ **Check view limit**

    * See if max views was reached

    ✅ **Confirm link wasn't deleted**

    * Check your Share Links page to see if it still exists

    ✅ **Try different browser**

    * Some browser extensions may block links

    If none of these work, try creating a new share link.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I can't add a heir" icon="user-slash">
    Common issues and solutions:

    ❌ **Heir doesn't have Storehouses account**
    → Have them create account at [storehouses.app](https://storehouses.app)

    ❌ **Heir doesn't have Pro subscription**
    → They must upgrade to Pro or Lifetime

    ❌ **You don't have Pro subscription**
    → Upgrade your account to Pro or Lifetime

    ❌ **Email address typo**
    → Double-check email matches their account exactly

    ❌ **Heir already designated**
    → Check your heirs list - they may already be added

    ❌ **Trying to add yourself**
    → You cannot designate yourself as an heir
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm not receiving heir access notifications" icon="envelope-slash">
    If you don't receive emails:

    1. **Check spam/junk folders**
       * Look for emails from `heirs@storehouses.app`

    2. **Verify your email address**
       * Go to Account Settings
       * Confirm email is correct

    3. **Add to contacts**
       * Add `heirs@storehouses.app` to your contacts

    4. **Check email filters**
       * Ensure emails aren't being auto-filtered

    5. **Contact support**
       * If you suspect unauthorized request
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="QR code won't scan" icon="qrcode">
    Try these solutions:

    ✅ **Ensure good lighting**

    * Scan in bright area

    ✅ **Hold phone steady**

    * Keep camera stable while scanning

    ✅ **Adjust distance**

    * Try zooming in/out slightly

    ✅ **Use QR scanner app**

    * Download dedicated QR code reader

    ✅ **Check QR code loaded**

    * Make sure image fully loaded on screen

    Alternative: Just copy the link URL manually instead.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Share Links Documentation" icon="link" href="/advanced/sharing">
    Learn more about Share Links
  </Card>

  <Card title="Heir Access Documentation" icon="users" href="/advanced/heir-access">
    Learn more about Heir Access
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upgrade to Pro" icon="crown" href="https://storehouses.app/pricing">
    Unlock both features
  </Card>

  <Card title="View Pricing" icon="dollar-sign" href="/account/subscription-plans">
    Compare subscription plans
  </Card>
</CardGroup>